LAB ASSISTANT

Job Summary:

In keeping with the French Hospital Medical Center healthcare philosophy, the Laboratory Assistant (Phlebotomist) is responsible for obtaining blood, urine, and culture specimens from patients ranging in age from newborn to geriatric, according to established procedures of French Hospital Medical Center Laboratory and State and Federal Regulations. Performs clerical functions and may perform routine repetitive specimen testing under direct supervision of a licensed technologist. Rotates shifts, holidays, and weekends as needed. Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted, or changed at any time at the discretion of management following written notice.

Job Details:

• Proper Patient Identification
  • Must properly identify all in-patients prior to specimen collection by matching information present on patient arm band with information on laboratory requisition. Verbal identification with patient also a must when patient condition allows such feedback.
  • Must properly identify all outpatients prior to specimen collection by matching information on outpatient slip with verbal communication with the patient or patient's guardian/guarantor.
  • Must properly identify all specimens coming from outpatient clients by matching the information on the tube with that from the laboratory requisition.
  • Must properly identify and band all patients for blood bank by comparing information on patient arm band with that on the blood bank requisition. This information must be transferred to the blood bank arm band and the tube per phlebotomy procedure manual. Arm bands are to be placed on the patient's right arm.
• Specimen Collection
  • Must be able to collect laboratory specimens on patients who range in age from infants through geriatrics.
  • Must have knowledge of specimen requirements for all tests performed at French Hospital and be able to look up requirements for specimens sent to our reference laboratories.
• Venipuncture
  • Must be able to obtain blood specimens using the vacutainer system on all age groups where appropriate. Patient must be evaluated for best blood collection method.
  • Must be able to obtain blood specimens from all age groups using a syringe. Patient must be evaluated for best blood collection method.
  • Must be able to collect blood specimens from infants using the heel stick method. Infant must be evaluated as to the best method to obtain blood for required tests.
  • Must be able to collect blood specimens from all age groups using the finger stick method. All patients must be evaluated as to the best method to obtain blood for required tests.
• Specimen Processing
  • Must be able to properly handle patient specimens as to the guidelines specified in the phlebotomy manual and our reference manuals.
  • Must be able to identify specimens that do not meet proper criteria and follow through to ensure specimen is recollected and ordering physician is made aware of the problem.
• Laboratory Requisitions/Computer Entry/Report Distribution
  • Must completely fill out all laboratory requisitions in regards to patient information, specimen collection information and tests ordered. Follow through on incomplete requisition must occur.
  • Requisitions must be properly entered into computer in a timely manner. Care must be taken to ensure proper spelling, ordering physician and all tests ordered. Information for location of results must be entered as complete as possible.
  • Specimens must be delivered to appropriate sections in a timely manner. Labels and paperwork must follow specimens and delivered to the appropriate laboratory sections.
  • Distribution of laboratory reports to identified location must be done in a timely manner. Routine, STAT, Fax, Phone, and time needed by must be accomplished. Guidelines for appropriate turnaround time must be met.
• Instrument Operation
  • Operate laboratory instruments under direct supervision of medical technologist. Instrument operation must be proceeded by proper orientation and signed off in Laboratory Assistant Competency checklist.
  • Must be able to accurately and efficiently set up microbiology cultures. Microbiology set up must be proceeded by proper orientation and signed off in Laboratory Assistant Competency.
• Housekeeping
  • Must be responsible for the upkeep of the laboratory including the outpatient draw areas. Areas must be well stocked, disinfected on every shift and have a clean and professional appearance. Infection control and safety standards must be followed.

This position is represented by SEIU-UHW and is covered by the terms and conditions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Requirements:

• Currently certified by the State of California as a Phlebotomist (CT PHLEBOT)
• Current American Heart Association BLS certificate (CT CPRBLS)

French Hospital Medical Center, located in San Luis Obispo, California, has been named one of the Nation’s 100 Top Hospitals by Truven Health Analytics and is rated among the top hospitals in the nation for cardiac, orthopedic, and GI services. French Hospital has achieved the prestigious designation as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission. The Copeland, Forbes, and Rossi Cardiac Care Center provides the latest innovative cardiac and imaging technology. The hospital is also home to the unique Hearst Cancer Resource Center offering free education, resources, and support to cancer patients and their families. French Hospital Medical Center is a part of Dignity Health’s Southern California Division and is a member of CommonSpirit Health, the largest not-for-profit health care system in the nation, boasting an integrated network of top quality hospitals, with physicians from the most prestigious medical schools, and comprehensive outpatient services - all recognized for quality, safety, and service. Each hospital is supported by an active philanthropic Foundation to help meet the growing health care needs of our communities. To learn more go here to www.dignityhealth.org/FrenchHospital.

One Community. One Mission. One California